Problems with mail order needlework items?

Darn! After I wrote this I found a WHOLE string of complaint emails about Herrschner's. OK, ladies. I've learned my lesson. I'll get what I'm getting (if I get anything) and that is the end ot it. Sheesh, that was a $300 order, nothing to sneeze at. You'd think they would have taken better care! Mightymom.

Herrschners is a little dodgy, I'm afraid. I've always gotten what I ordered, and only paid for it once. Eventually.

There's lots of good shops out there. You just need to ask.

A few starters:

needlework/embroidery supplies of all types. cross stitch needlepoint/canvas embroidery, but a good selection of cross stitch stuff cross stitch, now branching into punchneedle sampler/reproduction cross stitch thread for cross stitch and canvaswork yarn and patterns WEBS yarn

(NAYY. I've ordered from them all within the last 4-5 months.)

jenn

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net WIP: Oriental Butterfly, Insect Sampler, Rose Trio, Carousel (TW) Most recently Finished: TicTacToe Sampler, Snow, Morning Glory Stitching log:

There is an online store called Stitcher's Closet that I've had really good luck with.

it is located in my area, but I have no personal financialinterest, nor do I even know the owner. I just know I get exactly what Iorder, in a timely fashion, and she's got a great selection.

-- Jere

Yikes!

Try this list (I'm not sure where Rosemont is)

OR Nordic Needle gets raves.

Cheryl

Not from me. I'll try Threadneedlestreet or Thread Express, first. I also like the Silver Needle. Nordic Needle takes too long to process the order.

Elizabeth

is my latest INS of choice. You can e-mail the order and have Kathy phone you for your credit card number so you needn't entrust that to e-mail.

Needle Delights was in the path of Hurricane Ivan, and was closed for 9 months until they re-opened a bit further inland. (In fact, just a mile or so from my friend's house; she tells me her neighborhood's biggest problem in hurricanes is simply fallen trees taking out power lines.) Since they lost so much income as a result of the hurricane, I like to refer people to them to help make up for that.

Having tried several methods of supply the only one I use now is....I phone or email shops starting with the nearest, a couple of hours away to as far away as Calgary. The shop that has what I want in stock is the one I order from. I have in the past waited up to 6 months for shops or online businesses to complete an order. I try to get everything from the same shop if possible if not I order from several. Just can't stand the frustration of having 3/4 of what I need for a project and waiting for the rest. Ruby Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

You can add

to that list, very good and fastservice!

I'll second Elizabeth on the fact that Nordic Needle takes forever to process an order. I nearly placed an order on a Tuesday using their "Rush" option on the website hoping to have the supplies by Saturday as I was going away. I couldn't find out where "Rush" was explained so I called. Turns out their "Rush" service means they'll process the order within 48 hours, then ship sometime in the next 24-48 hours after that... Hmmm... in my books getting it out the door in 3-4 days isn't a rush! I've ordered from them in the past (non-rush) and always gotten what I ordered in a relatively timely fashion (I was ordering from Canada, so the delays were well within what I expected for postal system/customs related matters). Heather

"Stitcher" wrote ..

Traditional Stitches in Calgary has always shipped very promptly, although I have always ordered charts and not fibre. Dawne

I will sing the praises of

in Carbondale, IL.

Fast and accurate fulfillment of tapestry wool with correct billing to cr. cd. Who could ask for anything more? except maybe do the stitchin'.

val

I have ordered fibres from Traditional Stitches and she always emails right away if something is out of stock and asks whether I would like to wait or go elsewhere. She's also very helpful over the phone.

Addie

Addie wrote

Given two very satisfied customers, here's the website.

have stash enhancement progrms too (just doing my enabling for theday)Dawne

And don`t forget Janet Edgar in Miami, who looks in on here quite often - I`m BLOWED if her company`s name will come to me - so Janet - if you`re reading this - have a word! My mind`s gone blank, but she provides an excellent service!

in the UK and are both excellent and reliable, too.

Pat P

Roseville, CA. Here are a few shops within driving distance. Hoping to support your stitching habits.

++++++++++ excellent shop, will send mail order. Suzanne L Rees Kelsey's Needle Krafts 1234 Broadway. Ste.B Placerville, CA 95667-5828 Phone: 530-622-6205 kelseys-needlekrafts.com

+++++++ mail order form website and shop. Elegant Stitch

2720 McHenry Ave, Suite G Modesto, CA 95350 Phone: 209 529 6393

++++++++ excellent mail order form website and huge shop. Cathe Ray Needle in a Haystack

1533 Webster Street Alameda , CA 94501-4542 Phone: 877-HAYSTACK toll-free Class Schedule:

++++++ very nice shop with antique fixtures, will send mail order. Claudia Dutcher Dutch Treats.

291 S. Livermore Ave. Livermore , CA 94550

+++++++ Sew So Shop

425 D St. #198 Maryville , CA 95901-5706 .

++++++Sadly closing at the end of April.. Carla Meadows Fuzzy Penguin

3922 60 th Street Sacramento, CA 95820 Phone: 916-739-1190 Class Schedule: thefuzzypenguin.com

Sandra Murray

I'd like to add to the list with shops I've been to and done mailorder business with:

- real shop in Modesto, CA - lots of samplers and specialty items - great service!! - real shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma - have ordered a few specialty items also with great service - real shop named Needle In A Haystack in Alameda, CA - huge shop, has everything and more !! - lots of variety, kits, specialty supplies

MelissaD

I use Nordic Needle and they are friendly , fast and nice. Their website is

I don't have a local shop here and I use the internet for most things. Herrschner is slow very slow in getting things to me.

I remembered Janet Edgar`s site - it`s

Do you still stock the pre-gridded Aida, Janet, if you`re reading?

Pat P

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who sent me recommendations to viable mail order needlework shops. I will definitely explore those options.

I want to point out two web sites everyone should be aware of when making purchases of any sort.

and

Complaints.com is a web site where you can easily jot down the nature of your problem and email it it in. They review your email (no curse words, etc...) and then post it to the web site which can easily be searched by anyone with access to the web. They won't help you get resolution but you may save someone from having to deal with the same garbage you dealt with. I've received emails from people thanking me for my reports. I feel good about this because bad customer service SHOULD cause that business to lose clients. This is one way for the consumer to make it happen!

BBB is the Better Business Bureau and yes, they can help you gain resolution. Be prepared to document, in detail, all of your communications with the company in question. Include names, dates, order numbers, tracking numbers, and anything else that may help them research your complaint. I've used this several times and actually got resolution to my situations with their help.

Searching these web sites before you buy can also help you make a decision about the type of people you are doing business with before you do it! I should have done it with Herrschner's but had heard the name for so many years, I didn't even think there would be a problem. Herrschner's has 17 complaints filed with the BBB! If this isn't resolved this week, I'll be #18!